Uganda: Gorilla Trekking, Batwa Trail & Lake Bunyonyi Canoe

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Free cancellation

1/9

Duration3d

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · DE +3

PickupAt your hotel

Mountain gorilla trekking meets Batwa culture and lakeside canoeing in Uganda

You’ll travel deep into Uganda’s forests for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, connect with Batwa community elders, share laughter on a canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi, and cross the equator line on your way back—all with local guides and everything arranged so you can just soak it in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive to Bwindi and Batwa visit

Arrive at Entebbe airport
Meet Dav safaris staff briefing
Drive 7 hours to Bwindi
Stop for lunch en route
Check in at lodge
Visit Batwa community for cultural tour
Rest at lodge for the evening

Day 2 — Gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi

Have early breakfast
Drive to park offices for briefing
Meet local guides and trackers
Hike into forest to track gorillas
Trek 1 to 6 hours
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy canoe ride at Lake Bunyonyi

Day 3 — Return to Kampala via Equator

Have breakfast at lodge
Drive back to Entebbe/Kampala
Stop for lunch en route
Stop at Equator line for experiments
Arrive at Entebbe airport by evening

The Experience

Woke up somewhere between Entebbe and a dream—windows down, the air kept changing from warm dust to that sharp green smell you only get near rainforests. The drive to Bwindi is long (seven hours or so), but I didn’t mind. Our guide, Moses, pointed out the Kigezi hills—he called them “the Switzerland of East Africa.” I’m not sure about that (never been to Switzerland), but the slopes were all layered with tiny gardens and kids waving as we passed. Lunch was some kind of spicy stew at a roadside spot; I still can’t pronounce it right. By the time we reached Bwindi, my legs were stiff but the forest felt alive—like something humming under your skin.

I thought I’d be nervous for the gorilla trekking part. Turns out, you’re just sort of…quiet. The guides here know every sound—one of them could tell a colobus monkey from a bird by ear. We hiked maybe two hours before someone whispered and pointed: there they were. Mountain gorillas, just sitting there munching leaves like it was nothing special. I remember the silverback looking at us—really looking—and for a second I forgot to breathe. It’s hard to explain what that does to you. Afterward my boots were muddy, legs shaky, but everyone was grinning like fools.

Later we drove to Lake Bunyonyi—the road twisting through villages where women carried baskets on their heads without ever wobbling (how?). The lake itself is all islands and shifting light; we took a canoe ride with a guy named Benon who told stories about each island (some funny, some sad). He let me try paddling for a bit—I went in circles and he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his oar. Dinner back at the lodge tasted smoky from the charcoal fire; I slept better than I have in months.

The last day was mostly driving again—stopped at the equator line for that classic photo (my hair looked wild). Even now when I close my eyes, sometimes I hear those low forest sounds or see that silverback’s eyes. If you’re thinking about this trip…well, don’t overthink it.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Entebbe or Kampala, all transportation by 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking guide, entry permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, visits to Batwa communities, two nights’ accommodation with meals as listed (breakfasts plus some lunches/dinners), drinking water while traveling between destinations, and a guided canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi before returning via the equator line.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dav Safaris